Daisy Chain Multiple BE32s

Prepare BE32s for daisy chaining and specify correct distances for setup

The BE32 Alarm Expander extends the coverage of a Verkada alarm system. The expander can be used to consolidate multiple wired sensors into a single RS-485 cable run to the BP52 Alarm Panel. You can daisy-chain up to 4 BE32 units per RS-485 port on an alarm panel.

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Update firmware

Before you can daisy chain BE32s, they must all be on the latest firmware version.

1

Add the BE32 to Command.

2

Add the BE32 to an Alarm site.

3

Directly connect the BE32 to the BP52 via RS-485.

4

The device should automatically start to update. The device will begin flashing orange within a few minutes. Do not disconnect it until the LED stops blinking and remains solid blue for at least one minute, indicating the update is complete. The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes.

If the BE32 units are installed as shown below, the second device will not update to the latest firmware unless it was initially connected directly to the BP52 alarm panel.

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Required Cable Length

When daisy-chaining BE32 units, the cable length is a limiting factor. To ensure data integrity and proper power for 4-wire sensors, follow the maximum distance guidelines in the table below based on the number of BE32s to be daisy-chained.

The distances in the table assume no output device is connected to the BE32 relays. If you plan to use the relays, an external power supply is required for each BE32.

BE32s	Maximum wire run from panel to last device for 18 AWG	Maximum wire run from panel to last device for 22 AWG
1	2625 ft / 800m	1150 ft / 350m
2	2130 ft / 650m	820 ft / 250m
3	1800 ft / 550m	650 ft / 200m
4	1475 ft / 450m	490 ft / 150m

18 AWG cable facilitates longer daisy chains, due to its lower resistance.

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Power supply requirement

The Verkada ACC–WA–30W/12V Switching Power Supply for supplemental power must be used if output devices (sirens, strobes, etc.) are connected or cable length limits are reached. When using an external power supply (10-36V), ensure the RS-485 devices are connected to the same reference ground by including the device negative.

Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.